Installing a vinyl fence is no small project, and the last thing you want is to encounter a set back of any kind once you’ve started, especially if that means adding more time or expense to your project. Thankfully, the majority of problems that may arise can be prevented with some forethought and pre-planning. Here are 5 fence installation mistakes to avoid during your next DIY project.

1. Poor Planning

One of the biggest mistakes made by homeowners is a lack of planning when preparing to install a vinyl fence. This can range from improperly measuring your yard to neglecting to account for posts, or really anything that leaves you short on materials or the tools you need to do the job. Prior to buying materials, make sure you’ve done your research and know exactly what you need and what you need to do—it’ll save you time, money, and a headache.

2. Not Checking Zoning Laws

Many cities have zoning laws when it comes to fencing and can dictate the height and placement of the fence on your property line. Before you start clearing the fence line and digging post holes, contact your city offices to make sure your fencing will adhere to all laws and regulations.

3. Forgetting to Call the Utility Company

Imagine having everything ready to go for your fencing project, just to plunge your auger deep into the earth and hit a gas line. Or a water pipe. Or even a sprinkler line. Any of these scenarios leaves you with a potential emergency at worst, and a huge inconvenience at best. A simple call to your local utility company can help you avoid hitting gas, water, or cable lines, while a glance over a map of your sprinkler system can prevent you from damaging that system.

4. Choosing to Wing It

As with any project in life, failing to follow the directions can leave you with countless problems, like an improperly assembled final product, missing parts, and most frustrating of all, a handful of extra pieces left over at the end. Follow the directions—it’s as simple as that. Even if you’ve installed a fence before, each one is different, thus requiring different assembly and tools.

5. Neglecting to Verify Your Property Line

When in doubt, always double check your property line. Call to have a survey done to verify where your property ends to be sure you don’t install a fence on your neighbor’s property, or on land that belongs to the city. This is not the type of project you want to complete just to have to re-do it.

Ready to Get Started?

Understanding these common mistakes can help you avoid them, so be sure to do your research and plan for your fencing install thoroughly before starting your project.

Contact us today for help and advice getting started.

Are you ready to improve the look of your yard and install a vinyl fence? The cost to have this type of fence installed can be very pricey, which is why many homeowners desire to do the work themselves. If you are a person who likes to DIY, here are 5 tips to help you install your vinyl fence and get it right the first time.

1. Check with the City

When doing construction on your property, it’s wise to check with the city and your local HOA (if applicable) to see if you’ll need any permits or permissions prior to starting the project. Installing a fence is not something you want to have to re-do once you’ve finished it the first time.

2. Prep the Ground

Be sure to prep the ground where you plan to install the fence by removing any plants, weeds, or shrubs in the way. Contact your local utility company and have them come out and mark your yard for water pipes, gas lines, cable lines, or anything else that might be running beneath your yard, since damaging any of these while digging out post holes can be dangerous.

3. Measure Twice Cut Once

Just as the saying goes, it’s best to measure twice and cut once when installing your vinyl fence to avoid any miscalculations and incorrect cuts. Be sure you account for any slopes in your yard to ensure you have the right amount of fencing material. You’ll save yourself time and money doing it right the first time.

4. Handle Materials with Care

While vinyl fencing is made to be incredibly durable and requires little to no maintenance, it is possible to scratch it prior to and during installation. If you need to lay it down, set vinyl fencing on drop clothes or old sheets to avoid sustaining scratches on concrete or rocks.

5. When in Doubt, YouTube

YouTube has gradually become the go-to source for learning how to do just about anything, and learning to install a vinyl fence is no exception. Search for tutorials on how to install vinyl fencing and you’ll have your choice of videos to watch and study until you feel completely comfortable with your fence installation skills. These videos can also help you better understand any step in the installation process that’s confusing or difficult.

We Can Help!

When you’re ready to get your hands dirty and install your new fence, follow these 5 simple fence installation tips—DIY Vinyl Products can help! Contact us today to learn more about our products and get advice on installing your vinyl fence.